§9-4D-1. Legislative findings.

(a) The Legislature finds that there are many individuals in this state who have disabilities that qualify them for state or federal assistance and who are nonetheless willing and able to enter the workforce, but do not do so out of fear of losing essential medical care. As a result, the state realizes increased costs in fully supporting these disabled individuals who, in turn, suffer under an additional disability of being deprived of the additional income, dignity and self-sufficiency derived by being engaged in competitive employment.

(b) The Legislature finds that establishing a Medicaid buy-in program for certain individuals with disabilities will assist them in becoming independent of public assistance by enabling them to enter the workforce without fear of losing essential medical care.